Does anyone have any info on the new Bic Ace Tec Wind 11'6"? I have the Bic 11'6" SUP and have been pleased with it. As a sailboard, it looks like it would work well in sub-planing and light air conditions. Due to the rocker, as noted in Jimbo Douglass blog, I assume it would not plane as quickly as a flatter board. I have also read his report on the Exocet Windsup, as it sounds like an interesting design to enhance planing. One nice plus about the Bic is that it is super durable. Any insights on these boards?
I think you have to figure out what you want, and accept that there is no true planing SUP.
If you want to sup and surf (but sail occasionally), just get any SUP w/ a mast insert (a Fanatic AW or any of the Starboard silver series), but realize that none of these can compare w/ a true planing WS'er.
Or if you really want to sail primarily, the Exocet windSUP or even the RRD Wassup seem choices. From reading reviews of the exocet, it really seems more of a sailing board than paddles relatively welll.. but it is not a surf SUP.
I think the trend is to SUPs w/ a mast insert. Who has the time or patience to deal w/ a WS quiver anymore? Especially if there's waves to ride ;)
I have the windsup, it's a real windsurfing board but not much of a SUP, it's heavy, 33 lbs the same as the Bic.
If I'm looking to sail in small waves and swell ride the windsup is fine but anything bigger than small waves any old SUP with a mast track installed will be better, lighter and more turny.
Look for a board with a domed deck, it makes sailing much easier.
Seriously unless you are made of money just have a ding repair guy put in a mast track for about $100 in any old SUP, worked for me.
Tail rocker equals small sails, waddle out there and use the waves for propulsion, forget about planing.
Quote from: beaglebuddy on December 30, 2012, 01:50:56 AM
"..forget about planing."
I think that would be a great new marketing catchphrase for the SUP/windsurf industry :D
Not so fast... The Exocet Fish 8'11X32 with a sail WILL get up on a plane! Victor and Dasher (of Jupiter area) have both informed me of this... Paddle on, JD
If you are going to talk about SUP's that sail well...(and Fanatic was already introduced)
Fanatic Fly 10FT, 10'6, 11FT & 11'6 All are light for their size work well in both sailing and the surf. Fanatic's construction is GREAT ant KIller prices
JimK